Whether you're connecting with friends across the country, hosting a team building event, or just want to have fun with family, virtual game nights are a great way to stay connected. But let's be honest—not all virtual game nights are created equal. The difference between a boring call and an epic game night comes down to planning, preparation, and choosing the right games.
🎯 Planning Your Virtual Game Night
Great virtual game nights don't happen by accident. Here's how to plan one that everyone will remember:
1. Choose the Right Platform
- Zoom: Best for screen sharing and seeing everyone's reactions
- Google Meet: Great for larger groups and easy access
- Discord: Perfect for gaming communities and voice channels
- Microsoft Teams: Ideal for workplace game nights
2. Set a Date and Time
- Use a scheduling tool like Doodle or When2Meet to find the best time
- Consider time zones if your group is spread out
- Send calendar invites with the game night link
- Set a reminder 24 hours before the event
3. Prepare Your Tech
- Test your internet connection beforehand
- Make sure your camera and microphone work
- Have a backup plan if tech fails (phone hotspot, different device)
- Share tech requirements with participants ahead of time
🎮 Best Games for Virtual Game Nights
The games you choose can make or break your virtual game night. Here are the best options organized by category:
🤖 AI-Powered Games
Who's Most Likely To (AI Game): Our AI-powered game is perfect for virtual game nights! Upload photos of your group, share your screen, and watch as AI reveals hilarious predictions. The reactions are priceless, and it works great with any video call platform.
Try WhosLikely →🎲 Party Games
- Jackbox Games: One person hosts, everyone plays on their phone. Games like Quiplash, Fibbage, and Drawful are hilarious.
- Skribbl.io: Free online Pictionary. Create a private room and share the link.
- Codenames: Play the online version while on video call. Great for teams.
- Among Us: Play on your device, discuss on video call. Perfect for seeing reactions.
💬 No-Setup Games
- Would You Rather: Take turns asking questions, use Zoom reactions to vote
- Two Truths and a Lie: Everyone shares three statements, others guess the lie
- Never Have I Ever: Virtual edition with fingers or reactions
- Who's Most Likely To: Ask questions, vote, and share stories
✨ Tips for Making It Fun
- Have a game master: One person should host, explain rules, and keep things moving
- Use screen sharing: For games like Jackbox or WhosLikely, share your screen so everyone can see
- Enable gallery view: See everyone's reactions at once for maximum fun
- Keep it to 60-90 minutes: Attention spans are shorter on video calls
- Mix up the games: Don't play the same game all night—switch it up every 20-30 minutes
- Have a theme: Consider themed game nights (trivia, murder mystery, etc.)
- Encourage participation: Make sure everyone gets a chance to play and speak
- Take breaks: 5-minute breaks every 30 minutes help people stay engaged
🎪 Creating the Right Atmosphere
The atmosphere of your virtual game night matters just as much as the games you play:
🎵 Background Music
Play upbeat, non-distracting music in the background. Use Spotify or YouTube playlists designed for game nights.
🍕 Virtual Snacks
Encourage everyone to have snacks and drinks ready. You can even coordinate ordering the same food for a shared experience.
🎨 Virtual Backgrounds
Use fun virtual backgrounds or encourage everyone to decorate their space. It adds personality and makes it more fun.
🏆 Prizes (Optional)
Consider small prizes for winners—gift cards, bragging rights, or even just a fun title for the night.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Playing for too long: Keep it to 60-90 minutes max. People get tired on video calls.
- Not testing tech beforehand: Always test your setup before the event starts.
- Ignoring quieter participants: Make sure everyone gets a chance to participate.
- Choosing games that don't work well virtually: Some games just don't translate to video calls.
- Not having a backup plan: Always have alternative games ready if something doesn't work.
- Forgetting about time zones: Double-check everyone's local time before scheduling.
📅 Sample Virtual Game Night Schedule
Ready to Host Your First Virtual Game Night?
Start with our AI-powered "Who's Most Likely To" game! It's perfect for virtual game nights—just upload photos, share your screen, and watch everyone react. Free, fun, and guaranteed to make your game night memorable.
Start Your Game Night →